Report of the Leader of the Council

Council – 25 January 2018

Honorary Freedom of the City & County of on HMS Cambria

Purpose: To consider conferring Honorary Freedom of the City & County of Swansea to HMS Cambria

Policy Framework: None

Consultation: Access to Services, Finance, Legal. Chief Executive Group Leaders

Recommendation(s): It is recommended that:

1) Honorary Freedom of the City & County of Swansea is granted on HMS Cambria 2) A ceremonial council meeting be held on 17 March 2018 to confer the title of Honorary Freedom.

Report Author: Jo-anne Jones

Finance Officer: Ben Smith

Legal Officer: Tracey Meredith

Access to Services Officer: Rhian Millar

1. Introduction

HMS Cambria was commissioned in 1947 and is the only Royal Naval Reserve unit in .

HMS Cambria has a strong connection with Swansea as a major recruiting area for Royal Naval Reserves and over a third of the ship’s company live within Swansea and many of the reservists are employed in the city.

Reservists play an increasingly vital role in the Royal Navy, often taking part in operations around the world and not only do they potentially risk their lives, they also play a crucial role in promoting a greater understanding of the Royal Navy and it’s work among the general public. Granting Honorary Freedom of the City & County of Swansea on HMS Cambria will enhance the appreciation the Council and our communities give to our Armed Forces.

2. Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Under section 249 of the Local Government Act the Council may by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of the members voting thereon, admit to be an Honorary Freeman person of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council rendered eminent service to the County.

In the past similar honours have been bestowed by the Council and its predecessors on The Welsh Guards, The Regiment () and its antecedent regiments, HM Coastguard, RNLI, former President Jimmy Carter, the late Lord Callaghan, the late John Charles, HMS Scott, The Archbishop of Canterbury, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, 215 (City of Swansea) Squadron, Mel Nurse and more recently, Chris Coleman.

3. Ceremony Arrangements

It is proposed that the ceremony will be held at a ceremonial meeting of the Council to be held at the Guildhall, Swansea on 17 March 2018.

4. Equality and Engagement Implications

The proposal has no equality implications and an Equality Impact Assesment is not required in this instance.

5. Financial Implications

The cost of the proceedings, including a Freedom Scroll, will be met from the Corporate Promotions budget.

6. Legal Implications

The power to grant Honorary Freedom of the City and County of Swansea is contained in Section 249 [5] of the Local Government Act 1972.

Background Papers: None

Appendices: None